Sunderland transfer news: Black Cats boss David Moyes willing to offload star defender Lamine Kone to raise funds

SUNDERLAND boss David Moyes is willing to sell centre-half Lamine Kone to raise funds for new players.

Kone, 27, signed a new deal in September after settling a pay row with the Black Cats.

5

But Moyes could still move the Ivorian out if he gets around £15million.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest dealings from the Premier League and beyond, as well as news and gossip on our LIVE transfer blog

Moyes is checking out possible replacements at home and abroad and could do a one-in-one-out move if he finds the right defender.

West Ham and Crystal Palace like Kone but are put off by the big asking price.

Sunderland signed the defender from French Ligue 1 side Lorient last January and he played a key role when they avoided relegation under Sam Allardyce last season.

5

5

5

Related Stories

Parking the van

Southampton will not consider any bids for Virgil van Dijk during this transfer window

FEAR CONQUERS ALL

Aston Villa need signings this January and Steve Bruce must prioritise solving midfield problems

Swing and a Ciss

Aston Villa left-back Aly Cissokho set to call time on English football and sign for Olympiakos

Sofi's Choice

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti confirms he is interested in West Ham winger Sofiane Feghouli

After keeping hold of him last summer, Moyes said: "Lamine is an important player for this club and I made that clear to him from the outset."

So far he has played 18 times for the Black Cats this season as Moyes' side currently sit in 18th place in the Premier League and are a point away from safety.

The Hammers are also still keen on striker Jermain Defoe, 34, while Palace want defender Patrick van Aanholt, 26. However, Sunderland’s chief would find it hard to let them go.

5